Icy beverage machine

ABSTRACT

To maintain a balanced liquid-gas charge in the cooling chamber of an icy beverage machine, gas is introduced when the pressure in the cooling chamber falls below about 25 psi. Then after about a 3-to-8 second delay, liquid is charged into the cooling chamber until the pressure in the cooling chamber reaches about 30 psi.

Parks 51 Apr. N), 1973 [54] ICY BEVERAGE C NE 2,514,463 7/1950 Bayers,Jr. ..26l/DIG. 7

[76] Inventor: Charles K. Parks, P.O. Box 998, Primary Examiner wflliamE Wayner Abllene 79602 Attorney-Charles W. Coffee [22] Filed: Aug. 3,1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 168,632

To maintain a balanced liquid-gas charge in the cooling chamber of anicy beverage machine, gas is in- [52] US. Cl ..62/70, 62/306, 26l/DIG. 7troduced when the pressure in the cooling chamber [51] Int. Cl. ..F2Sc7/16 falls below about 25 psi, Then after about a 3-to-8 [58] Field ofSearch ..62/69, 70, 178, 306; second delay, liquid is charged into thecooling 261/DIG. 7, 27, 69 R, 92 X, 64, 18 B chamber until the pressurein the cooling chamber reaches about 30 psi. R f [56] e erences Cited 6Cl M Figure UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,403,524 10/1968 lVlitchell et al...62/7O WATER SOURCE sfifii? cw CO2 v r SOURCE SOLENOID 42 /\7\( l v l'31" 40 V PRESSURE 52x REFRIGERAT|ON MECHAN|5M ICY BEVERAGE MACHINEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to beverages and more particularly to a carbonated drinkpartially frozen.

2. Description of the Prior Art The KNEDLIK U. S. Pat. No. 3,044,878shows the basic icy beverage machine. This patent discloses themaintenance of the charge within the cooling chamber by use of anelectrical contact probe within the cooling chamber. The patentdiscloses a source of carbon dioxide gas under pressure at all timesbeing connected to the cooling chamber when the liquid falls below apredetermined level as indicated by the probe within the coolingchamber.

LENTS, U. S. Pat. No. 3,108,449, discloses the means for maintaining theproper temperature within the cooling chamber. The temperature is sensedby the torque necessary to agitate the contents of the chamber. When thetorque becomes great, the cooling is reduced. The amount of liquid inthe chamber will effect the torque on the agitator. Also, changes in thetemperature will produce changes in the pressure.

Icee Dispenser Service Manual Parts Catalog as published by John E.Mitchell Company, PO. Box 1811, 3800 Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas75226, with the distributor parts prices effective Dec. 1, 1969, (a copyof which is attached to this application), depicts machinery which iscurrently commercially available upon the market and describes theoperating procedures necessary to maintain the balance of liquid and gasin the cooling chamber.

The service manual shows that under present operating procedure when thepressure in the cooling chamber falls below 25 psi, the solenoid valvefrom the carbon dioxide tank (set at about 35 psi) and the liquid pumpare both started. Then when the pressure upon the cooling chamberincreases by a -pound differential, the liquid pump is stopped and thecarbon dioxide solenoid valve cut off.

A study of the operations set out in the service manual, particularlythe material on Page 7, Operation of First Production of Icee Drink,Page 8, Daily Operation and Hints for Better Dispenser Operation, and onPage 16, Trouble Shooting, indicates that much manual operation isessential on the present machines to keep the proper liquid-gas balancewithin the cooling chamber. 1f the liquid level is too much or toolittle, the temperature will be wrong. Furthermore, if there is aninsufficient carbon dioxide cap (which is to say there is too muchliquid) the product is not of the proper fluffy consistency. If there istoo much gas within the chamber, the gas blows out of the dispensingfaucet and tends to blow the beverage in a cup out of the cup, which isextremely undesirable. Furthermore, periodically the liquid within thechamber tends to form ice crystals therein, which is undesirable, and itis necessary to go through a defrosting operation. At the time ofdefrosting, techniques must be observed to get the proper liquid-gasbalance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 1. New and Different Function I have found thatmore consistent, desirable results may be obtained with less skillfuloperators if the gas is first introduced at a low pressure andthereafter the liquid is charged into the cooling chamber.

This is particularly important because the operators of icy beveragemachines are traditionally extremely low-skilled and, also, thattraditionally there is a very high turnover in their employment. Even ifthey were adapted to a full understanding of the expansion freezing uponwhich these machines operate as described in the KNEDLIK patent above,they do not have time to become fully trained.

One of the outstanding advantages of my invention is that if a properbalance between liquid and gas in the cooling chamber can be maintained,the defrosting procedures can be greatly simplified. I.e., if all thatoccurred during defrosting was the heating of the product to cause anyice crystals therein to melt and the rechilling of it, the defrostingcycle would be greatly simplified. If the defrosting cycle weresimplified, it would be possible to defrost the machine mechanically onan automatic cycle. However, it will be noted as described inthe presentart and specifically referring to the manual, the present procedures fordefrosting include re-establishng proper balance between liquid and gaswithin the cooling chamber. Therefore, one of the advantages of thisinvention in maintenance of the proper balance in the cooling chamber isthe simplification of the defrost cycle so the defrosting can be doneautomatically and therefore, can be done periodically in the propermanner.

2. Objects of the Invention An object of this invention is to produce animproved icy beverage.

Another object is to improve the charging of the cooling chamber of anicy beverage machine.

A further object is to simplify the operation of an icy beverage machineso the defrosting may be cycled automatically rather than manually.

Still further objects are to achieve the above with a device that issturdy, compact, durable, light-weight, simple, safe, efficient,versatile, and reliable, yet inexpensive and easy to manufacture,install, operate, and maintain.

Other objects are to achieve the above with a method that is versatile,rapid, efficient, and inexpensive, and does not require skilled peopleto install, adjust, operate, and maintain.

The specific nature of the invention, as well as other objects, uses,and advantages thereof, will clearly appear from the followingdescription and from the accompanying drawing, the different views ofwhich are not necessarily to the same scale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing is a schematicalrepresentation of an icy macine with my invention incorporated therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As may be seen in the drawing,the icy machine includes coolng chamber 10 which is refrigerated bycoils 12 which are connected to refrigeration mechanism 14. Product 24is drawn from the cooling chmber 10 by faucet 16. The product in thecooling chamber 10 is agitated by agitator 18 which is driven throughtorque coupling 20. The refrigeration mechanism 14 is controlled bymicro switch 22 so that as the product 24 within the cooling chamber 10becomes cold, the torque to the agitator 18 increases. This actuates themicro switch 22, thus cutting off the refrigeraton mechanism 14. Waterfrom water source 26 and flavored, sweetened syrup from syrup source 28are pumped by mixing pump 30 through pipe 32 into the cooling chamber10. Check valves 34 prevent the backflow of any of the liquid materialin the opposite direction of its normal flow. Carbon dioxide gas fromsource 36 is regulated to desired pressure by constant pressureregulator valve 38 and admitted through solenoid valve 40 into the pipe32 and into the cooling chamber 10. Check valve 42 prevents back-flow ofthe gas. Pump motor 44 connected to pump 30 and solenoid coil 46connected to solenoid valve 40 are controleld by pressure switch 48which is sensitive to pressure within the pipe 32 immediately before itsadmission into the cooling chamber 10.

The mechanism which has been described to this point is well known andcommercially available on the market. I have improved the operation byinstalling time-delay switch 50 to the pump motor 44. I have had goodsuccess using thermal time-delay switches such as are commerciallyavailable on the market for flashing outdoor electric display signs.These commercial units have heater unit 52. The switch 50 is open for 3to seconds until the heater 52 becomes hot enough to cause the switch 50to close. Then, the switch 50 remains closed as long as the circuits areenergized. Therefore, with my invention, the pressure switch 48 can beset to actute at 25 psi and to deactivate on a 5- pound differential,i.e., 30 psi. As soon as the pressure switch 48 actuates, the solenoidvalve 40 is opened letting the carbon dioxide gas, which is regulated toabout 32 psi by pressure regulator valve 38, enter the copling chamber10. Thereafter, in. about three to 8 seconds, the motor 44 startspumping liquid into the cooling chamber until the pressure is increasedto 30 psi, at which time the pressure switch simultaneously closes thesolenoid valve 40 and, also, stops the pump motor 44.

As the unit is operated and if the pressure switch 48 is frequentlyactivated because of heavy use of the equipment, the delay switch 50 andthe heater 52 will tend to become warm and have less and less delay.However, I have not found this to be disadvantageous because when theequipment is in heavy use, it has been my observation that the coolingchamber 10 needs to be charged with additional liquid in an operationalsituation such as that. In light use (when the product is being drawnfrom the cooling chamber 10 at long intervals of time) the pressureswitch 48 is not actuated for long periods of time which permits thedelay switch 50 to cool off between its use.

My invention maintains the proper gas-liquid balance in the coolngchamber 10 and therefore, it is possible to defrost the cooling chamberby automatic clock controls. These automatic clock controlls have notbeen shown because they are well within the skill of ordinary mechanicswho are familiar with this type of equipment. It is not necessary indefrosting to make any changes in the liquid supply orthe gas supply tothe cooling chamber.

Maintenance of the proper pressure has may advantages. Under presentconditions, the pressure in the coolng chamber 10 sometimes getsexceedingly high during defrost periods. This isa result of basicunbalance before defrosting as well as the fact that sometimesdefrosting being manual by unskilled persons, proceeds for a long periodof time. However, with my invention, the pressure is maintained in theproper range; therefore, the defrost pressure is not so high. Also, bymaking it possible to have automatic defrostng, this preventsoverheating. One disadvantage of high pressure is that it causesdeterioration of the seals around the cooling chamber, particularlyaround the agitator shaft, and causes strain on valves. Sometimes theimbalance between the proportion of gas supply and liquid supply becomessuch and the temperaure on defrosting is such that the intergrity of thecooling chamber 10 itself is threatened.

The embodiment shown and described above is only exemplary. I do notclaim to have invented all the parts, elements or steps described.Various modifications can be made in the construction, material,arrangement, and operation, and still be within the scope of myinvention. The limits of the invention and the bounds of the patentprotection are measured by and defined in the following claims. Therestrictive descripton and drawing of the specific example above do notpoint out what an infringement of this patent would be, but are to enblethe reader to make and use the ivention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a machine for making icy drinks having a. a cooling chambercontaining i. a mixed liquid product and ii. carbon dioxide gas,

b. agitator means in the cooling chamber for agitating the contents,

c. chilling means attached to the chamber for chilling the contents, and

d. a faucet on the chamber for dispensing the drinks therefrom;

e.'THE IMPROVED METHOD OF MAINTAINING A BALANCED CHARGE OF LIQUIDPRODUCT AND CARBON DIOXIDE GAS IN THE COOLING CHAMBER COMPRISING:

f. sensing a need for charging the cooling chamber,

g. opening a valve connecting a source of carbon dioxide gas underpressure to the cooling chamber responsive to sensing the need;thereafter h. pumping liquid product into the cooling chamber responsiveto the sensing of the need to charge, and in addition to a time delaycaused by heating a thermal switch,

j. sensing when the cooling chamber is charged, then simultaneously k,closing the valve and stopping the pump.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitation ofm. measuring the pressure within the cooling chamber, thus sensing theneed for charging same and when the same is charged.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitation ofY n. maintaining the pressure of the source of carbon dioxide gas notmore than about 2 psi higher than the maximum pressure of the coolingchamber.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitationsof m. maintaining the cooling chamber at a pressure between about 25 psiand 30 psi, and

n. supplying carbon dioxide at not more than about 32 psi.

5. In a machine for making icy drinks having a. a cooling chambercontaining i. a mixed liquid product and ii. carbon dioxide gas,

b. agitator means in the cooling chamber for agitating the contents,

c. chilling means attached to the chamber for chilling the contents, and

d. a faucet on the chamber for disepensing the drinks therefrom;

e. a source of carbon dioxide gas under pressure,

f. pressure regulator means on the source of gas for regulating thepressure thereof,

g. a solenoid valve connecting the souce of gas and the cooling chamber,

h. a pump connected to the cooling chamber for pumping liquid thereto,

j. a pump motor connected to the pump, and

k. electric control means connected to the cooling chamber for actuatingthe solenoid and pump motor,

m. THE IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR MAIN- TAINING A BALANCED CHARGE COM-PRISNG:

n. a thermal delay switch attached to the pump motor for delaying thestart of the motor after the solenoid valve is opened.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said electric controlmeans is o. a pressure switch.

1. In a machine for making icy drinks having a. a cooling chambercontaining i. a mixed liquid product and ii. carbon dioxide gas, b.agitator means in the cooling chamber for agitating the contents, c.chilling means attached to the chamber for chilling the contents, and d.a faucet on the chamber for dispensing the drinks therefrom; e. THEIMPROVED METHOD OF MAINTAINING A BALANCED CHARGE OF LIQUID PRODUCT ANDCARBON DIOXIDE GAS IN THE COOLING CHAMBER COMPRISING: f. sensing a needfor charging the cooling chamber, g. opening a valve connecting a sourceof carbon dioxide gas under pressure to the cooling chamber responsiveto sensing the need; thereafter h. pumping liquid product into thecooling chamber responsive to the sensing of the need to charge, and inaddition to a time delay caused by heating a thermal switch, j. sensingwhen the cooling chamber is charged, then simultaneously k. closing thevalve and stopping the pump.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 withthe additional limitation of m. measuring the pressure within thecooling chamber, thus sensing the need for charging same and when thesame is charged.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 1 with theadditional limitation of n. maintaining the pressure of the source ofcarbon dioxide gas not more than about 2 psi higher than the maximumpressure of the cooling chamber.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 1with the additional limitations of m. maintaining the cooling chamber ata pressure between about 25 psi and 30 psi, and n. supplying carbondioxide at not more than about 32 psi.
 5. In a machine for making icydrinks having a. a cooling chamber containing i. a mixed liquid productand ii. carbon dioxide gas, b. agitator means in the cooling chamber foragitating the contents, c. chilling means attached to the chamber forchilling the contents, and d. a faucet on the chamber for disepensingthe drinks therefrom; e. a source of carbon dioxide gas under pressure,f. pressure regulator means on the source of gas for regulating thepressure thereof, g. a solenoid valve connecting the souce of gas andthe cooling chamber, h. a pump connected to the cooling chamber forpumping liquid thereto, j. a pump motor connected to the pump, and k.electric control means connected to the cooling chamber for actuatingthe solenoid and pump motor, m. THE IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR MAINTAINING ABALANCED CHARGE COMPRISNG: n. a thermal delay switch attached to thepump motor for delaying the start of the motor after the solenoid valveis opened.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said electriccontrol means is o. a pressure switch.